Be your own BFF

Make a commitment to be nicer to yourself.

Author and educator Rachel Simmons is on a mission to teach kids how. In one exercise, she invited an auditorium of high school kids to place their hands on their hearts: “Feel the pressure and warmth of a kind hand.” The simple exercise moved many to tears. “They had never thought to approach their own setbacks with gentleness.” Consider self-empathy a life-long survival skill. The next time you mess up, consider how you would respond to a friend in a similar situation. Without hesitation, extend to yourself the same compassion, non-judgment and care.